The Classic Charm Of JVDF

Justin von der Fehr traded baseball training for a trip to the local Gucci store at the ripe age of 12. He loved the look and feel of the products, the way they were made and the thought process behind the designs, but he didn't consider a career in the industry until years later.

Von der Fehr found fashion again in the early '90s while shooting shows with Steven Meisel. "I watched Dolce & Gabbana and Gianni Versace create and edit their collections," he recalls. "We would all eat after or have some drinks. I got to see them in their real element and ask them about their creative process."

It was only when von der Fehr pulled out a favorite crocodile billfold from the '40s—a present from his grandfather—that he decided to recreate the amazing pieces himself. Under the JVDF moniker, von der Fehr uses beautiful old world styles for a modern range of accessories that use lizard and crocodile skins. Each piece is made by hand and can be customized with additional credit card slots or added design features.

A complete line including a passport cover, checkbook case, Euro wallet and women's pieces will come out next month, featuring the signature contrast stitching, rep stripe silk and embossed detail.

For more information, see www.jvdf.net.

—Retna Wooller